A BASINGSTOKE man who neglected his Staffordshire bull terrier to the point where the poor hound was 'severely underweight' has been banned for owning dogs for one year. 

Michael Hammond, of Westray Close, South View, was found guilty of three animal welfare offences by Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

His pet Bowser, a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, was discovered in a flat covered in dog faeces and critically underweight.

An RSPCA inspector described the tragic animal as being so thin his ribs and bones were clearly visible through his skin. 

The court heard that between April 1 and May 1 this year, Hammond failed to take steps to ensure the needs of the animal were met. 

Authorities rescued Bowser from a flat with 'dog faeces all over the floor. 

Inspectors were left shocked to find the two-year-old animal in a 'poor body condition' in an 'unhygienic, hazardous environment'. 

At the time he was rescued, he weighed just 13kg - which rose to 16.3kg in two weeks, after receiving a regular and appropriate diet. 

RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Bowser was severely underweight, I could see his ribs and hip bones through the skin, he was not the weight he should be for his age or breed type, and when I touched him I could feel his bones easily under his skin.”

Alongside the one-year disqualification from owning dogs, Hammond was deprived of ownership of Bowser and ordered to pay a total of £275 when he was sentenced at the court on September 26.